What is Walt Disney World?
It's a huge entertainment complex near Orlando, Florida that opened in 1971. The original Disneyland in California could not be expanded, so Walt Disney and his team developed a new resort, which today offers four theme parks (including the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT), two waterparks, 19 hotels, golf courses, and sports facilities. It's better known simply as 'Disney World'.
What is Walt Disney World like?
It's very easy to dismiss Disney World as commercial/twee/whatever other negative word you want to use. But I was really impressed. It's well organised, it has heart, and it makes people happy. Admittedly, there's a lot of queuing for rollercoasters in hot weather so it's not for everyone.
Where is Walt Disney World?
Florida, USA
When did we go?
August 2024
How did we get there?
I went with my godsons and their parents, flying from London to Orlando and staying at the Swan Resort, which is one of the hotels that gets you early access to the Disney parks.
Worth noting:
There are a lot of other theme parks in the area, including Universal Studios and SeaWorld. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, also on the list at 188, can be found at Universal.
What was Walt Disney World's place in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?
It was at 155, so it dropped 255 places. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter seems to have taken the higher spot in the 2020 edition, entering the list at 188.
Does Walt Disney World deserve its place on the 2020 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?
Yes.
